Gatari Amavasya, celebrated mostly in Maharashtra, India, is the no moon day before the beginning of Shravan, the holy month in the Hindu calendar.

To me, Gatari Amavasya seems similar to Fat Tuesday. Many people observe the holy month by abstaining from non- vegetarian foods. So, they feast on Gatari Amavasya, the day before the holy month begins.

When I thought of writing this post, I  was curious to find out more about the history of Gatari Amavasya. My dear childhood friend, Geeta, must have read my mind, as she sent me some information about it at the same time!

This amavasya (no moon day) is also called Deep Amavasya. Deep means lamp. It is the day to clean and polish the lamps, worshiping the lamps themselves. In Hinduism, as in some other religions, lamps and light are revered. Lit lamps give us light over darkness, which in Hinduism also signifies knowledge over ignorance. As the holy month begins the next day, these lamps would be used all month long, so looking at it practically, this festival is so well designed!

Back to the word Gatari Amavasya. The word gat-ahari means the foods of the past. My interpretation, based on my limited knowledge, is that it means eating Saatvik, simple vegetarian food, as described in Ayurveda, during the month of Shravan and eating indulgent foods of the recent past one last day. Hence the feasting before the holy month  begins.

Growing up, I don’t remember Gatari Amavasya celebrations to be big. But now it seems to be another reason for a grand party and many restaurants have advertisements for an ‘all you can eat buffet’ especially catered for Gatari Amavasya!

So here is Indfused’s menu and recipes for Gatari Amavasya!

 

Broiled Stuffed Indo Mexican Jalapenos

 

Tandoori Chicken Masala Stuffed Bread- Two easy ways!

Malvani Masala Feijao with Shrimp

Tandoori Honey Lime Chicken

Murg Saagwala- streamlined !

Mango Mastani

Easy Peasy Spring Pullav

Chicken and Asparagus Pullav – A one pot meal

Paan Truffles with Gulkand Centers

Indian Spiced, Juicy Chicken Burgers with Mango and Red Pepper Chutney!

Kolhapuri Chicken Lonchey- A quick and skinny version!

Kerala Egg Roast

Enjoy everyone!

Love,

❤

Sandhya